L’Oreal commits to keeping eco-friendly in new report

NEW YORK L’Oreal has published its fifth annual sustainable development report, confirming its commitment to reducing energy and water consumption, waste and CO2 emissions. The report also highlights several company initiatives to operate "as a responsible and accountable global citizen."

"Values such as integrity, responsibility and respect for people and the environment have been a key part of L’Oreal's DNA from the early days," stated Francis Quinn, director of sustainable development. "We believe, as a leader in our industry, we need to be an authentic model for sustainability and we intend to set the bar high and work hard to meet the challenge."

According to the beauty company, its focus and annual sustainability audit centers around seven key areas: economic affairs, environment/health/safety, research and development, supply chain relations, employee relations, consumer relations and community engagement. In each area, the company has adopted best practices and set measurable goals for the organization to achieve.

Some notable achievements, according to L’Oreal, include:

• Environment performance: Reduction in CO2 emissions -23%, energy consumption-17%, water consumption -25% and waste -26% per finished product since 2003.
• Research: Receives international scientific validation for skin sensitivity testing using proprietary SkinEthic RHE as an alternative to animal models.
• Eco-Minded Product Stewardship: Develops biodegradable, "cradle to cradle" certified products like Kiehl's Since 1851 Aloe Vera Liquid Body Cleanser.
• Serving the Wider Community: Distributes more than $25 million to causes and programs which make science more accessible to women (For Women in Science); make education more widely available (Hairdressers Against Aids); and restore dignity and confidence (Look Good-Feel Better).